Highly Political and High-Level Negotiation
「Nooooooooo way!」
「Oh my.」
「See, told ya he'd say that.」
「Right? I totally thought he'd turn it down...」
That morning, I was sorting through so used fabric at an empty market when I ran into the three from Artemis.
Nastasha, Raina, and Ulrika. Honestly, if it was just Raina and Ulrika, I wouldn't mind at all, but the bad feeling I got when Nastasha was the first to call out to
was spot on.
「You're really not up for this, huh?」
「Who would listen to that and nod with a smile? Hanging around for so noble's mysterious mission? No thanks.」
A runaway noble? A request sounding like intrigue?
It's a minefield of trouble. Can't they invent artificial explosives after I'm dead?
「I totally get how you feel, Mongrel-senpai. I'm really not thrilled about it either.」
「Well, I do sympathize a bit with Bridget, though.」
「I personally get it too, you know? Guarding so lady noble is just standing around looking pretty, not swinging swords. It'd be boring, for sure. But it's undoubtedly a cushy job. Honestly, if I were a parent, I'd want you to climb that ladder real quick. But I don't want to get caught up in the chaos.」
Why do you think I stay at Bronze rank? So I won't get troubleso requests like this. Don't drag
into it.
「The mission itself only lasts a day, and we'll pay you well. Artemis will even add a bit more.」
「The money is tempting, I suppose. But spending a whole day with so noble's daughter? And what if sothing happens and I get blad for it?」
Not that I need money. I have ways to make it if necessary. But flaunting wealth attracts cri, so I avoid it.
This mission only brings disadvantages for , with absolutely no perks.
Though it's not natural to downright refuse money, I sotis play the miser. But not in cases like this—full rejection.
「Incidentally, the specific amount of remuneration is this.」
「......」
Nastasha showed
a little scrap with sothing written on it, so I gave it a glance.
Hmm, hmmm... Well, it's quite a hefty sum...
「Mongrel, what exactly are you afraid of?」
「Nobles, obviously. Who knows what they'll pull? It's terrifying. I'm not like you guys at Artemis, used to dealing with nobles and VIPs.」
「That's an excessive fear. The Baron of Samseria is a minor house. Not enough power to move the world. They're broke, requesting from the guild with a little extra pay is their limit.」
Nastasha leaned her back against a large statue in the center of the deserted market, arching her bust. Big.
「... Mongrel-senpai, what are you staring at?」
「Her chest.」
「No attempt to hide your gaze or your intent...」
「Such a creep.」
Hey, it's because you guys are flat as boards. It's a guy thing. Can't help it.
If you don't want
looking, wear thicker clothes, not just those robes. It's the season for it.
「If you're interested in my chest, you can touch it—if you take the escort mission.」
「N-Nastasha! That's taking it way too far!」
「......」
「Mongrel-senpai, what are you thinking about so hard!?」
「Ow! Don't kick !」
Well, you know, being a man and all. Ulrika, you get it, right?
Actually, no, she's giving
a look that says she definitely doesn't get it.
「The Samseria household just wants to prevent their daughter's elopent. All you need to do is walk through the empty winter forest. Bridget has to be bored; you don't need to entertain her. If necessary, we'll handle Bridget. Mongrel, you just need to be a forward guard.」
「... Why hire ? You have close combat folks, don't you?」
「Gorillana is skilled but she's just one. Used to be more about a year ago... This ti, with more wards to protect, we want a thicker front line. We can't fail, as you already noted.」
While winter forests have fewer monsters, the ones that do appear are often aggressive and tough.
The burden on close combat roles might increase. In that sense, Nastasha's judgnt was not off.
... However, I still couldn't shake the feeling that she had so other sche in mind.
She didn't seem blinded by greed like other nobles, but sothing about her presence felt complicated.
Mainly, those scary eyes...
Well, I don't have detailed knowledge about nobles like Artemis does.
The Samseria family, a powerless one, or so they say.
Really? I couldn't verify and had no clue.
For instance, if Gorillana had to hold the front line alone, she'd have to protect both the noble and Artemis' rear guard, leaving Artemis vulnerable. Raina and Ulrika, too. Then again, this line of work ans we're all equally at risk, so it's a pointless concern. Hmm.
「... More importantly, my heritage is an issue. It's obvious I'm part Sangreallian. On discovery, it could spell trouble.」
「Just conceal it. Bandage up your hair and wear a helt to hide your white hair. If need be, don't take the official guild job and join us secretly. We'll cover the costs.」
「I don't like going gray-market here... There are others. Other skilled close combat folks.」
「Mongrel-senpai, you really don't want to go, huh...」
I really don't want to, absolutely not. So stop looking at
like that.
「As I see it, Mongrel. Your sword skills are among the guild's best.」
「Thanks for that, but still...」
「Also, it's not like you're strangers. You've known Raina for a while, right? Do it for us, would you? It's just for a day's work.」
Ugh, it's complicated.
If the Samseria family truly is insignificant, maybe it'd be fine.
Continuing to vehently refuse well-paying jobs due to disliking nobles also stands out...
Could this be the perfect chance to secure quick cash? Maybe I could finally start on creating those handy items I couldn't afford before... No, calm down. I'm getting ahead of myself.
Think logically. Weigh the pros and cons. Stick to my principles. That's how I've survived thus far.
「Hmph... more stubborn than I expected. The best I can offer on my authority is an invitation to Artemis' clan house for a nice, warm bath after the mission...」
「Huh, a bath?」
「Yes, a bath.」
「His eyes changed.」
「Such a big reaction.」
「You don't really think I'd agree for just a single bath, right?」
「...... Fire magic isn't my forte. Heating up water is challenging. Two baths is my limit.」
「Two baths...? Alright, I accept. Please let
join this mission.」
I bowed my head decisively and agreed to the matter at hand.
「Well, sure baths are great, but... enough to make you change your stance so much?」
「You can't understand how appealing a hot bath is in winter.」
Public baths are ridiculously expensive and filthy... They're entirely different...
High-end baths, which feel like ripoffs, feel unsettling with girls hopping in...
「.... I don't get it, but I appreciate your acceptance. Please take care of things.」
「Leave it to , Nastasha. But I'm counting on you to handle the noble.」
「You're quite the enigma, Mongrel-san.」
「That's just how he is, Ulrika-senpai.」
And so, by tomorrow, I've secured rights to a bath. Success!
... Rational thinking? Cons? What were those? Was it about scratching my head?
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
Maybe Mongrel just really wanted a hot bath.
【????????(??????)】
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